Barbie’s Journey to Enlightenment

In the Greta Gerwig-directed "Barbie," the iconic doll embarks on a pink-hued journey toward enlightenment not unlike the historical Buddha’s. Jennifer Keishin Armstrong explores how "Barbie" serves as a meditation on consciousness, impermanence, and the true nature of reality.

How Amida Buddha Illuminates the Path of Compassion

Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi shares the history and practice of Shin Buddhism, offering a pathway to awakening through the compassion of Amida Buddha.

The Power of Tonglen

On the inbreath, says Judy Lief, take in what is bad, freeing others from it. On the outbreath, offer what is good.

Celebrating Robert A. F. Thurman on his 82nd birthday

Today, we celebrate renowned Buddhist activist and scholar Robert Thurman’s 82nd birthday.

Barbie wears a shirt that says  be yourself

El dharma de Barbie

Karen Maezen Miller se sintió desgarrada cuando su hija entró en la etapa de Barbie. Pero, ¿qué era peor, el comercialismo y los estándares de belleza poco realistas de la muñeca, o los prejuicios y conceptos adultos de la mamá?

Study reveals experiences of Asian American Buddhists practicing in non-Asian dominant spaces

Lion’s Roar associate editor Mihiri Tillakaratne reports on the key findings from a new study on how Asian American Buddhists shape identity and create community while practicing in non-Asian dominant spaces conducted by the Asian American Buddhist Working Group.

Remembering Buddhist teacher and author Wes Nisker (1942-2023)

Wes Nisker, the Oakland, California-based Buddhist teacher, author, radio personality, and founder and co-editor of "Inquiring Mind" has died.

Siddhartha’s 100th Birthday

A century after its publication, Randy Rosenthal explores how Hermann Hesse's classic novel "Siddhartha" came to be amidst the author's personal struggles and search for life's deeper meaning.

Your Spiritual Ancestor

Lion's Roar Editor Andrea Miller introduces the September 2023 “Women of Wisdom” issue of Lion’s Roar magazine.

Meet a Teacher: Pema Khandro Rinpoche

Pema Khandro Rinpoche gets personal with the Lion’s Roar readership.

Pico Iyer looks over railing at water.

An Interview with Pico Iyer, The Contemplative Traveler

For writer Pico Iyer, travel is a spiritual experience that shakes up our usual certainties and connects us to a richer, vaster world. Iyer talks with editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod about his book, "The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise," and his eclectic contemplative practice.

Lion’s Roar September 2023 Book Reviews

From simple healing instructions for daily meditation to a scientific theory of complexity and a thoroughgoing investigation into suicidal ideation, Bonnie Nadzam reviews this season’s latest titles.

Enseñanzas budistas sobre la meditación de atención plena

¿Qué es la meditación de atención plena y cómo se practica? A continuación encontrarás información básica sobre la práctica y sus raíces budistas, además de instrucciones fáciles de seguir y lecturas adicionales.

Meeting Heart-to-Heart

When it comes to difficult people, says Koshin Paley Ellison, the key is two people willing to let go of being right.

The Meditative Beauty of Birding

Zen teacher Benjamin Mui Pumphrey on appreciating not just the rare birds, but also the sparrows and crows.

Barbie wears a shirt that says  be yourself

The Dharma of Barbie

Karen Maezen Miller was torn when her daughter entered the Barbie stage. But what was worse—the doll’s commercialism or Mom’s grownup judgments?

A hand holds a blue Catholic rosary.

Entrevista a Rubén Hábito: La convergencia del catolicismo y el Zen

Tanto en el catolicismo como en el zen, dice Rubén Hábito, hay una quietud en la que no hacen falta palabras.

Psychedelics and Spirituality: Exploring the Intersection at Psychedelic Science 2023

In June, the largest psychedelic conference in history, Psychedelic Science 2023, brought together a diverse group of experts to explore the scientific, therapeutic, and spiritual potential of psychedelics. Jason Moscow reports.

A man walks a labyrinth made of stones next to the ocean

Ancient and Modern Maps of the Mind

Tara Bennett Goleman looks at the parallels between of Buddhist psychology and modern cognitive science, revealing their shared insights that illuminate a hidden path towards inner freedom.

a white candle reflects on a frosted window

My 49-Day Journey Through Grief

After the loss of her son, Karen Wallace Bartelt sought solace beyond the practices of her Christian faith. Finding inspiration in Buddhism, she shares how she learned to sit with her grief and create a sacred space within for transformation to unfold.